Hot corner

Quote: "I'm not going to be embarrassed like that. I don't expect to lose. It's how you lose, and I'm tired of the way we're losing." -- manager Don Baylor, whose Cubs have lost eight of 10

It's a fact: Through nine games at Enron Field, the Astros and their opponents have scored 110 runs, an average of 12.2. In the first nine games at the Astrodome last season, there were 75 runs, an average of 8.3.

Who's hot: The Mets' Derek Bell has 12 hits in his past 14 at-bats, and in his past 11 games is hitting .542 (26-for-48).

Who's not: The Diamondbacks went 3-4 during their homestand, their first losing homestand since June 14-27, 1998.

On deck: Today, the Expos' Darryl Kyle makes his first start against his old team, the Rockies.